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Governor Murphy Signs Law Establishing Target Zero Commission; New 13-member body aims to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040.
NEW JERSEY STATE – Governor Phil Murphy signed A1476/S361 into law, creating the Target Zero Commission charged with eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. The 13-member commission will include officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), State Police, Division of Highway Traffic Safety, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, regional transportation organizations, and other stakeholders collaborating to make roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
“The actions we take today will ensure that New Jersey families no longer have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to traffic fatalities. The Commission will collaborate to prioritize safety and mobility, forging a clear path to making sure everyone, whether walking, biking, driving, or using public transit, can travel safely in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy
Sharp Rise in Traffic Fatalities
Traffic deaths and injuries have sharply increased in New Jersey. From 2023 to 2024, fatalities increased 14% and pedestrian fatalities increased 32%. The commission will focus on data-driven strategies, including roadway design improvements, speed management, and policy initiatives, to address these alarming trends.
Governor Murphy was joined at the bill’s signing by Arland Macasieb, a cyclist and former professional triathlete who survived a life-altering crash with a car while riding his bike on a New Jersey road in 2021. Despite ongoing medical challenges due to his injuries, Macasieb continues to advocate for legislation that increases safety for cyclists and non-motorists.
“The New Jersey Department of Transportation takes the responsibility of improving roadway safety very seriously and is committed to eliminating roadway fatalities. This commission will explore new ideas and technologies to create actionable strategies to address critical roadways safety issues in New Jersey,” said DOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor.
Key Responsibilities and Timeline
- Action Plan: Under the new law, the Target Zero Commission must propose an action plan within one year of the bill’s signing.
- Public Input: Residents will have the opportunity to offer feedback on the proposed plan.
- Data Sharing: The commission will collect and share traffic safety data, including information on dangerous intersections and crash demographics.
- Local Support: Data and resources will be provided to municipalities to help them develop their own Target Zero strategies.
“As the most densely populated state in the nation, it is critically important that New Jersey uses all available tools to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers share the road safely,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “This bill creates a commission that brings together experts in transportation and traffic safety to advise lawmakers on the kinds of research and public policies that will eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries."
By advising the Governor, Legislature, and DOT, the commission seeks to coordinate statewide efforts that reduce serious roadway incidents. Officials underscore that the measure brings New Jersey one step closer to a future with safer streets for all.
“I don’t want to see any other families suffer the loss that we had to suffer when our son Nikhil was killed,” said Sunil Badlani, Founding Member of Nikhil Badlani Foundation and Families for Safe Streets NJ. “This Commission must develop an action plan to address the preventable loss of 600-700 New Jerseyans each year. Together, we must create a future where every journey is safe, and no life is needlessly lost on our roads.”
